Climate Change Adaptation and Humanitarian Aid: The case of Pakistan

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1 Climate Change Adaptation and Humanitarian Aid: The case of Pakistan Ingrid Nyborg, Noragric, NMBU Bahadar Nawab Khattak, CIIT Courting Catastrophe? Policy and Practice in a Changing Climate FAO Food Security Working Group Meeting, Islamabad November 15th, 2016 Gender and Human Security in Post-Coflict Swat, Pakistan Norwegian University of Life Sciences/CIIT 1

2 Introduction Pakistan hit hard by natural disasters 16 major disasters since independence in 1947 Pakistan has the one of the lowest contributions to global warming (135 th of the world s average of C0 2 emissions) Ranked as the 12 th most vulnerable country to climate change Most recent disasters: 2005 earthquake, 2010 floods, compounded by conflict and IDP challenges. To what degree has Pakistan been able to move towards disaster prevention and longer-term adaptation? COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 2

3 Methodology Qualitative and exploratory In-depth field cases using open question guides covering a broad range of topics (livelihoods, food security, power relations, local institutions, gender relations etc). Explored conceptual understandings of climate change and adaptation by local people, humanitarian and development organizations and government. COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 3

4 Methdology Mapping of the humanitarian response Which organizations responded, in what ways, in the short, medium and long term following the crisis Good practices? Interviews with different community members, humanitarian and development staff, government staff Workshops with different actors Observation of field activities Exploratory, broadbased Analysis of policy documents Analysis of vulnerability assessment documents Norwegian University of Life Sciences 4

5 Fieldwork in three areas Swat (CIIT) Flood and conflict Intensive government and international humanitarian interventions Sindh (NMBU) Recurrent flood, drought, cyclones. Intensive international humanitarian interventions Baltistan (CIIT/NMBU PhD candidate) Glacier melt, floods, slides Limited international interventions local and government institutional response COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, CIIT 5

6 Findings: Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Reduction (DRR) Most humanitarian actors leave after relief, but a small number stay longer, moving into early recovery, rehabilitation and development, including DRR. This is a good move, but they often have a limited understanding of how their response can contribute to decreasing vulnerability in the longer term risk of ad hoc, patchwork, quick fix interventions.. Most still see longer term work as development, something which is the responsibility of the government. COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 6

7 Practice is disconnected: Split between Disaster Risk Management (DRR) and Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Humanitarian Mostly relief Some DRM Limited DRR Government DRR only at policy level Relief at local level (DMMU) Development Some relief Limited DRM Mostly DRR COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 7

8 Understanding DRR and Vulnerability Humanitarian actors, including government, are only looking at one very limited aspect of DRR, focusing on only one kind of vulnerability: outcome/hazard vulnerability. COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 9

9 DRR and Vulnerability 2 kinds of vulnerability: Outcome/Hazard Vulnerability Addressing hazard vulnerability involves reducing exposure to hazards through climate change mitigation i.e. prevention of hazards reaching populations, and focus on resilience (returning to their previous state) Contextual/Social Vulnerability Addressing social vulnerability involves altering the social, political, and economics context in which climate change occurs, so that individuals and groups can better respond to changing conditions in the short and longer term (adaptation). COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 10

10 Hazards and Disasters Reminder: The mere occurrence of hazards is not enough to result in a disaster. Disasters occur as a result of a combination of exposure to a hazard, the conditions of vulnerability present, and insufficient capacity or measures to reduce or cope with the potential negative consequences. COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 11

11 Social Vulnerability The implications of not addressing social vulnerability: We are not looking at what makes people vulnerable and unable to adapt. We are not looking at how different people are in their ability to adapt Resources are provided unequally within communities Lack of attention to different vulnerabilities can lead to resentment, sabotage of projects, conflict, livelihood insecurity. COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 12

12 DRR and Vulnerability What are the drivers of social vulnerability that affect how people can adapt? Unequal power relations, gender relations, ethnic relations Unequal access to resources Lack of education and health Lack on investment in relevant research Land tenure issues Lack of job skills and livelihood options Wider political economy Poor governance Conflict.and other political, social and ecnomic structural factors that systematically hinder people in adjusting their lives in the face changing contexts. COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 13

13 Social Vulnerability This one conceptual barrier has implications at all levels, and all aspects of humanitarian and development interventions, including DRR and climate change adaptation. Do humanitarian actions reinforce vulnerability in the face of climate change? Most likely, since it doesn t challenge structural inequalities How can humanitarian interventions prepare for development and contribute to climate change adaptation? Focus on social vulnerability How might you change humanitarian practice to be able to address contextual vulnerability? COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 14

14 How can humanitarian actors make sense of complex climate and vulnerability contexts in operational decisions before, during and after a crisis? COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 15

15 Findings: Assessments Most assessments in Pakistan focus on identifying physical risks, and avoidance of these, and do not include any information on people s underlying social vulnerability. Narrow focus. They also do not necessarily include much interaction with villagers, or only certain villagers. These can also be very politicized processes mistrust of those conducting assessments. COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 16

16 Findings: Assessments Some assessments show potential, like the Red Cross/Red Crescent Integrated Vulnerability and Capability Assessments (IVCA), take a broader approach, and uncover a wider range of local issues Still are not focused on differences at the local level remain Community focused. They uncover the need to address deeper issues, which require collaboration or a shift in the types of support they give. COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 17

17 Findings: Assessments Recommendation for humanitarian organizations and government: Re-think your assessments: Make them broader to include more aspects of social vulnerability as defined locally, and Design them to uncover difference at the local level (methodology shift) Use them as a way to embark in discussions with local people, government and other organizations to ensure relevance and coordination. COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 18

18 Knowledge about DRR, risk and vulnerability is disconnnected Researchers Knowledge on climate change, vulnerability, adaptation, innovative technologies, policy Lack of knowledge on political processes that can lead to change National Government: Knowledge of policy and political processes Lack of local knowledge on development practice Technical knowledge on climate change, agriculture, water Local Government: Some knowledge of conventional relief and development, and political processes Some technical knowledge Lack of knowledge on participatory processes and new innovations Development Knowledge on participation, innovative technologies, and long-term development Lack of knowledge on relief and response Humanitarian: Knowledge on logistical aspects of relief, DRM Lack of knowledge on participatory processes and development issues COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 19

19 Knowledge about DRR, risk and vulnerability is disconnnected National/Provincial Government Researchers Local Government Development Humanitarian COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 20

20 Recommendations: Create forums at all levels to share knowledge. Very limited at District level. Gather researchers, policy makers, implementers and community members at district level to discuss what is relevant and important in each context, for different people. Facilitate communication and coordination at the district level to help to bridge the gap between humanitarian and development work not only during a crisis- but following and prior to. A role for local government? They lack capacity, both conceptually and financially. Reconceptualize the DDMU? COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 21

21 Power Relations in Humanitarian and Development processes Top-down approaches in both humanitarian and development interventions, where -assessments were done by outsiders only, -planning was done at a higher level, and -implementation was done through contracting, has had a detrimental effect on the ability of local people and institutions to determine the directions of their lives. There is very little competence-building for local organizations, government staff and villagers in conducting their own assessments and designing relevant projects This ultimately undermines longer term adaptation and sustainability COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 22

22 Power relations in humanitarian and development processes How can vulnerable groups, with their often rich local knowledge on climate adaptation, be empowered in their interactions with humanitarian interventions? COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 23

23 Role of Donors Be flexible, and prioritize local, participatory processes, and capacity building of local organizations, communities and government Revisit existing processes of planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation Support knowledge exchange processes with researchers, organizations, and government Meetings, workshops, etc at all levels COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 24

24 Concluding questions: How can short-term interventions be inspired by long-term thinking on how to reduce people s vulnerability and strengthen longerterm adaptation processes that could lead to more robust livelihood development? Focus on understanding social vulnerability Focus on bottom-up participatory processes in gathering information and planning activities Contribute to capacity-building at lower levels of government, organizations and communities Participate in forums that discuss longer-term adaptability COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 25

25 Concluding questions: How may humanitarian interventions offer technological and social innovations that support sustainable adaptation? Attention to social vulnerability in all stages and activities Awareness of how short-term activities link with the activities of others COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 26

26 Concluding questions: How might NGOs and UN Agencies realize their well-informed plans, developed following the suggestions above? How to influence funding for NGOs and UN in the real world? Argue your case well on how a poor approach seriously undermines the basic goals of humanitarian and development assistance. COMSATS Institute for Information Technology, CIIT Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU 27

27 Thank you!

Concept of Periodic Synthesis Report

Concept of Periodic Synthesis Report There is no lack of scientific knowledge, but it is fragmented and not easily accessible to policy makers and practitioners. The Sendai Science and Technology Roadmap